by Shannon Caughey

As a coach, about what would you say, “If I’m going to be able to coach the way I desire, I have to have this”? It might be a mentor you can come to anytime you have questions or need help. Or maybe it’s a great booster club that is always ready to support you and provide the resources required to be successful. You depend on certain people or things to be the coach you want to be.

If your desire is to live and coach for Jesus, there is a “have to have” that goes beyond mentors, booster clubs, and other resources. Christ-honoring coaches depend on the Bible. We’re continuing this series of devotions focused on what Psalm 119 says about God’s Word. The teaching of this psalm shows us why God’s Word is central to coaching. So far we’ve seen that we can trust the Bible—and trusting God’s Word leads us to live according to it. Now let’s consider the importance of depending on the Bible.

In Psalm 119, the psalmist expresses an ongoing awareness of his need for God’s Word. Circumstances, internal struggles, a hunger for something more, a recognition of his limitations—these and many other reasons remind him of his dependence upon God and his Word. A few examples: “My life is down in the dust; give me life through your word”(v. 25); “I cling to your decrees” (v. 31); “I long for your salvation; I put my hope in your word” (v. 81); “I rise before dawn and cry out for help; I put my hope in your word” (v. 147).

As the psalmist depends on God’s Word, he receives so much in return, such as: 

• comfort: “This is my comfort in my affliction: Your promise has given me life.” (v. 50)
• wisdom: “Your command makes me wiser than my enemies, for it is always with me.” (v. 98)
• guidance: “Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light on my path.” (v. 105)
• protection: “You are my shelter and my shield; I put my hope in your word.” (v. 114)
• peace and confidence: “Abundant peace belongs to those who love your instruction; nothing makes them stumble.” (v. 165)

As a coach, you regularly encounter situations in which you need each of these things: comfort, wisdom, guidance, protection, peace, and confidence. The Bible provides these things because it addresses our foundational needs: to know who God is and what God is like; to know how we can have life in relationship with God through faith in Jesus Christ; and to understand God’s design for how we live for him in every situation as we trust Christ. God reveals himself and his heart through his Word.

There’s a difference between viewing the Bible as a helpful resource vs. recognizing how much we need the Bible in every dimension of life. It’s the difference between periodically consulting the Bible vs. daily depending on God’s Word. This dependence involves reading the Bible, studying it yourself and with others, sitting under good Bible teaching, and reflecting on what it says as you go through the various situations of your day. 

Like the psalmist in Psalm 119, depend on God’s Word for everything you need to be who God calls you to be. Depend on the Bible to direct your mindset so you can stay Christ-focused as a coach. Depend on the Bible to shape your character and values as a coach. Depend on the Bible to show you how to approach relating to those you coach. Depend on the Bible to determine the ultimate purpose you pursue as you coach day by day.

As time in God’s Word is a “have to have” for you, you will experience the life and hope Psalm 119 describes. Christ-honoring coaches depend on the Bible.

For reflection: Thank God that he has given us the Bible. Pray for greater awareness of your need for God’s Word and deeper dependence upon it in every area of life and coaching.